Russian Navy chief vows support for PH Navy upgrade programs

Russian Navy chief Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Korolev has expressed his commitment to support the ongoing upgrade programs of the Philippine Navy (PN) (Photo By Mil.ru, CC BY 4.0)

MANILA — Russian Navy chief Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Korolev has expressed his commitment to support the ongoing upgrade programs of the Philippine Navy (PN) in terms of training, maintenance, and sustainment of future acquisition especially its submarine acquisition program.

Korolev made this remark during his meeting with PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad during the Russian Navy Day celebration in Saint Petersburg last July 29 where the draft memorandum of understanding for deepening security cooperation was discussed, Navy spokesperson Cmdr.

Jonathan Zata said in a statement Saturday.

Also, the Russian naval officer expressed his appreciation for the upcoming visit of a PN ship in Vladivostok, Russia.

In June, three Russian warships made a port visit in Manila.

Empedrad represented the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the above-mentioned occasion.

The PN chief was accompanied by Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Danilo R. Rodelas and Philippine Defense Attaché to Russia, Col. Dennis Pastor.

“The official visit underscores the navy’s diplomacy efforts for increased interaction among other navies. These engagements are building blocks for closer cooperation in areas of mutual concern such as combating terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” Zata added.

The PN delegation was given the opportunity to visit Admiralty Shipyard, the navy’s premier naval shipyard where Russian submarines are built.